Miguel Diniz, a Masters student in composition, was recently in Lisbon, Portugal, for the premiere of an opera he co-wrote.

The piece, Multidão, is a monodrama for countertenor and ensemble. It comprises of three acts, each by a different Portuguese composer: Pedro Finisterra (act I), Miguel Diniz (act II) and Diogo da Costa Ferreira (act III). The original libretto, on the subject of madness, is by Nuno Cruz.

For the premiere, which took place at the Thalia Theatre in Lisbon on Friday 16th November, the piece was sung by the countertenor Rui Vieira and conducted by Diogo Da Costa Ferreira. It was a production of ESML (Lisbon University of Music), led by Professor Luís Madureira.

Miguel Diniz was born in Lisbon. He originally graduated as a pianist, studying with Filipe Pinto-Ribeiro and Rosa Maria Barrantes, and then completed a second degree in composition, studying with British composer Christopher Bochmann and the Portuguese composer Pedro Amaral. Miguel arrived at Royal Holloway in September of this year, to study for an MMus degree in composition, and has been selected for the Picture Gallery Composer-in-Residence scheme. A number of his pieces, for choir, orchestra, and chamber ensemble, have already been performed in his home country and the USA. Miguel has also developed extensive activity as a conductor, participating in masterclasses and working with several amateur choirs and instrumental ensembles.